After the high-profile launches of the Ducati and Repsol Honda factory efforts, it was the turn of a team of more modest means to kick off their 2013 MotoGP season. Karel Abraham's Cardion AB squad was launched this weekend in the Czech capital of Prague, where his team presented the Aprilia ART machine which Abraham will be campaigning this season. After the event, the team issued the following press release, in which the father and son Abraham explain some of the reasons behind the switch, and their expectations:

Karel Abraham at the beginning of a new season with ART

The “Cardion AB style” gala programme was all about two stars this year: Karel Abraham and his new ART motorbike for the 2013 MotoGP season. The motorbike in the 2013 season livery was unveiled in the deconsecrated chapel of Sacre Coeur in the historical downtown Prague, Czech Republic.

Karel Abraham:

“I know that motorbikes do not run on design, but I have to say I am very excited about design this year. We have been focused on the same principle for years and now I feel it’s close to perfection. I am hoping for a similar level of perfection on the track. My goal is to always be one of the best CRT riders. And I believe there will be several opportunities during the season to race against the prototypes, since there are circuits where the differences between CRT bikes and prototypes are eliminated. I had a very good feeling about ART at Valencia during first testing, especially its cornering performance. We should have a better engine now and I cannot wait to ride the bike at Sepang.”

Marco Grana, Chief Mechanic:

“Ironically, the transition to ART is not that big a deal for mechanics. Karel has had the Aprilia for most of his career and we can use this experience to our advantage, now that Karel will ride the ART. Of course we all spent a lot of time in Noale so that we could get to know the bike and work hard from the very beginning to make sure Karel has the bike well under control.”

Karel Abraham Sr., Team Manager:

“ART is one of the best CRT motorbikes. The transition from prototype is not a step backwards but rather a side step. I believe CRTs´ will be able to match with prototypes. Plus, they will be much more visible thanks to the new qualification system.”

Than a Ducati cobbled together from leftover parts. Abraham never really got the support he deserved (or rightfully paid for) from the boys in Bologna. At one point I remember them getting a swingarm or something, that didn't even fit the chassis they were using, like Corse was just throwing random parts at them to make it seem like they were getting factory "support". It was a joke. An ART CRT at least gives Karel the chance to show his talent in a even playing field amongst other riders on CRT's.